The short version
The current MacBook Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with chips from Apple's M5 family:
- M5 in the entry 14-inch model, released in October 2025
- M5 Pro and M5 Max in the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models, released in March 2026
Bloomberg has reported that a redesigned MacBook Pro, widely expected to bring an OLED display, is planned for late 2026. Apple has not announced it. If you can wait a few weeks, it may be worth doing.
The current models
| Model | Chip | Released | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | M5 | October 2025 | Students, office work, photo editing, light video |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | M5 Pro or M5 Max | March 2026 | Developers, video editors, portable pro work |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | M5 Pro or M5 Max | March 2026 | Heavy video, 3D and AI work, and a bigger screen |
All models have a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz), a 12MP Center Stage camera, Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, an SD card slot and MagSafe charging.
Prices
At launch in the US:
| Model | Launch starting price |
|---|---|
| 14-inch, M5 | $1,599 |
| 14-inch, M5 Pro | $2,199 |
| 16-inch, M5 Pro | $2,699 |
| 14-inch, M5 Max | $3,599 |
| 16-inch, M5 Max | $3,899 |
Apple raised MacBook Pro prices later in 2026, citing higher memory costs, so today's prices are higher than at launch. Retailers also discount these models often, sometimes by several hundred dollars. Check Apple's website and major retailers for current prices before buying, and consider Apple's refurbished store, which sells checked machines with a full warranty.
Which chip do you actually need?
The chip is the most important choice, and most people overbuy.
- M5 handles web work, documents, coding, photo editing and 4K video editing at a hobby level. It is the right choice for most students and office workers.
- M5 Pro adds more CPU and GPU cores and supports more memory. It suits people who edit video daily, compile large software projects or work with big photo libraries.
- M5 Max is for the heaviest workloads: 8K video, 3D rendering, running large AI models locally or scientific computing. It costs much more, and it is heavier and uses more power.
Memory matters more than people expect. Memory cannot be upgraded later, so choose enough at the start. 16GB is the minimum, and 24GB to 32GB is sensible if you keep the laptop for many years or run AI tools locally.
Should you buy now or wait?
| Your situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Your current laptop still works | Wait to see whether the reported redesign arrives |
| You need a laptop now | Buy an M5 model, ideally at a discount |
| You want an OLED display | Wait, as the current models use mini-LED |
| You are on a tight budget | Look at the MacBook Air, or a discounted or refurbished M5 MacBook Pro |
When Apple releases new models, the outgoing ones are often discounted by retailers and appear in Apple's refurbished store. That can be the best value of all.
MacBook Pro or MacBook Air?
For most people, the MacBook Air is enough. It is lighter, silent because it has no fan, and much cheaper. Choose the MacBook Pro if you:
- edit video or work with large files regularly
- need more ports, including HDMI and an SD card slot
- want the brighter ProMotion display
- need the M5 Pro or M5 Max chips
Our guide to the best laptops for students compares Mac and Windows options at lower prices.
Key takeaways
- The current MacBook Pro uses the M5 (October 2025) or M5 Pro and M5 Max (March 2026) chips.
- Launch prices started at $1,599, and Apple raised prices later in 2026.
- A redesigned model has been widely reported for late 2026 but is not confirmed.
- The standard M5 is enough for most people. Spend on memory before a bigger chip.
Prices and models change. Check Apple's website for current details before you buy.